Topic: cathodic protection of gas tank

[littlebronco]

I'm about to finish a tank which I stripped bare end of last year.  It currently is bare metal and I kind of like the way it looks.  So in looking at all the possible clear coats and oils and such, I stumbled upon a wikipedia entry for 'cathodic protection'.  I wonder if there are any guys here who can guide me a little. I would guess our tanks are not at negative potential since they sit on rubber gaskets.  Maybe grounding the tank would prevent some rust?  Also, the cathodic protection page mentions attaching a hunk of some other metal to the tank to prevent rust.  I guess it is used alot for fuel tanks and pipes.  Does this mean that I can ground the tank and not worry about it blowing up?  I have no idea.

I just had another thought.  If I leave the tank bare metal and I happen to lay it down, am I looking at a big boom soon after?

Chris

[BobbyR]

Cathodic protection is usually if not always used in places where there is moisture present all the time such as boats and metal tanks buried underground. I know water heaters have a cathode rod in them.  I think you can do it in a drier environment by inducing a voltage. I think you would be better off with a good quality clearcoat job and regular waxing.